Abstract
Volunteering generates a reciprocal partnership that is often beneficial for students and the programs and organizations with which they volunteer. Volunteers gain practical experiences, and the community organization, sports entity, or athletic department receives valuable services and exposure through use of volunteer staff. Management of these vital human resources within organizations deserves recognition and proper attention. Service and volunteer requirements are increasingly being incorporated into the curricula of major and general education courses, yet many organizations remain uncertain regarding the best practices for managing their volunteer workforce. Necessary human resource functions for a quality volunteer program infrastructure include a system of legal compliance, job analysis and design, recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, and performance management practices. Often, the human resources manager is responsible for volunteer management as well as maintaining cost-effective volunteer programs. The purpose of this manuscript is to examine how human resource management should be used when managing sports volunteers. Understanding basic motivational factors for volunteers and how to engage people through varying strategies that capitalize on these motivational themes is also explored.